Proverbs 11:25-31

The Message

²⁵ The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
    those who help others are helped.

²⁶ Curses on those who drive a hard bargain!
    Blessings on all who play fair and square!

²⁷ The one who seeks good finds delight;
    the student of evil becomes evil.

²⁸ A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
    a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

²⁹ Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air;
    common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.

³⁰ A good life is a fruit-bearing tree;
    a violent life destroys souls.

³¹ If good people barely make it,
    what’s in store for the bad!